Orthopedic appliance

ABSTRACT

An orthopedic appliance is provided to open a midpalatal suture quickly and substantially. The appliance includes a metal construction which may be positioned in the patient&#39;&#39;s mouth so as to avoid irritation. The construction features a pair of main body sections, each including an oppositely threaded screw bore into which is threadably inserted an adjustment screw having two ends threaded in opposite directions, so that turning of the screw either brings the sections closer together or further apart depending upon the direction of turning. A pair of sectional rods straddle the adjustment screw and each rod is slidably inserted through rod bores running parallel to the threaded screw bore. The sectional construction of the rods enables their action as both slide members as the main body sections are separated and as attachment rods for mounting the appliance on the teeth of the upper jaw.

Biederman Sept. 17, 1974 ORTHOPEDIC APPLIANCE [75] Inventor: William Biederman, Rockville Centre, NY.

[73] Assignee: Orthodontic International Services,

Inc., Wilmington, Del.

[22] Filed: Dec. 27, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 318,877

[52] US. Cl 32/14 E [51] Int. Cl. A6lc 7/00 [58] Field of Search 32/14 B, 14 C, 14 D, 14 E, 32/14 F [56] References Cited FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,150,055 7/1957 France 32/l4 E Primary Examiner-Robert Peshock Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Stanley J. Yavner 5 7 ABSTRACT An orthopedic appliance is provided to open a midpalatal suture quickly and substantially. The appliance includes a metal construction which may be positioned in the patients mouth so as to avoid irritation. The construction features a pair of main body sections, each including an oppositely threaded screw bore into which is threadably inserted an adjustment screw having two ends threaded in opposite directions, so that turning of the screw either brings the sections closer together or further apart depending upon the direction of turning. A pair of sectional rods straddle the adjustment screw and each rod is slidably inserted through rod bores running parallel to the threaded screw bore. The sectional construction of the rods enables their action as both slide members as the main body sections are separated and as attachment rods for mounting the appliance on the teeth of the upper aw.

10 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures ORTHOPEDIC APPLIANCE This invention relates primarily to orthopedic appliances and more particularly to appliances for opening the midpalatal suture.

The orthodontic art is replete with appliances and devices for moving teeth in order to correct bite problems and other common deformities in the positional dental structure. However, it is often indicated that such deformities can be best corrected by spreading the midpalatal bone structure and allowing spontaneous repositioning of the teeth to compensate therefor and thus to correct the deformity. Orthodontic appliances are inadequate in strength characteristics to accomplish midpalatal stretching and, furthermore, the orthopedic appliances that are available for that purpose are needlessly complex and cause secondary problems for the patient.

Specifically, available orthopedic appliances usually include a structure involving separate guide pins which not only complicate the assembly steps necessary for such appliances, but also serve to reduce the strength characteristics thereof. For instance, the function of such guide pins is to avoid rotary movement of main body sections of the appliance usually attendant to separation adjustment of the sections. The use of reduced diameter guide pins is usually ineffective to prevent such rotary motion.

Furthermore, overall simplicity of an orthopedic structure for use in a patients mouth to separate the midpalatal suture is essential for the purposes of avoiding food clogging and other irritations. Still further, simplicity combined with the strength characteristics necessary for accomplishing the spreading of the midpalatal suture quickly is another means of preventing patient irritation.

Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a simple, yet efficient appliance for quickly spreading the midpalatal suture to correct orthopedic deformities leading to dental misplacement and misalignment.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an orthopedic appliance for spreading the midpalatal suture which is strong enough to accomplish its intended purpose quickly and yet designed to avoid palatal irritation.

These and other objects of the present invention are accomplished in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the present invention which features an orthopedic appliance, including first and second main body sections, each with a central adjustment screw bore. The central bore in each section is threaded opposite to that of the other section such that a central adjustment screw has each of its ends threadably inserted to a central bore of one of the main body sections. The adjustment screw is oppositely threaded at each end for that purpose and includes a mid-screw adjustment knob, which is either knurled or includes a plurality of adjustment holes bored perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the adjustment screw. An adjustment handle can then be selectively inserted and used for turning the screw and thereby separating the main body sections or bringing them closer together. Straddling the central bore in each main body section is a rod bore large enough to slidably accommodate Browne and Sharp guage rods of between 14 and or larger. Sectioned rods are slidably inserted to such rod bores so that they extend beyond the body sections and yet each rod is split to include a separation to enable each rod to act as both a support for the appliance and as a guide pin to prevent rotary motion of the body sec tions as the adjustment screw is turned. The size of the rods further enables accomplishment of the main function of the appliance, i.e., to attach the appliance across the maxilla and to push the two halves of the maxilla apart. The rods are soldered or otherwise attached at each end of the body made up by the two body sections and at the other ends to tooth bands, so that separation of the body sections pushes the rods and the teeth to which they are attached, thereby spreading the midpalatal suture to enable the correction required.

The above brief description, as well as further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following, detailed description of the preferred, but nonetheless illustrative embodiment, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an appliance according to the present invention for providing spreading of the midpalatal suture;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view thereof, showing the appliance in place upon insertion with both bands attached, the central teeth abutting and the body sections thereof in close proximity;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to that in FIG. 2, but with the body sections spread, the midpalatal suture likewise spread after two weeks of insertion to the patient, the central teeth spread apart and with the adjustment screw causing full separation of the body sections of the appliance;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3, but with the midpalatal suture and central teeth beginning to close and the orthopedic appliance still in a position with full separation of the body sections;

FIG. 5 is a view of a patients upper jaw similar to that used in FIGS. 2 through 4, but with the orthopedic appliance of the present invention removed and with the midpalatal suture and central teeth closed after approximately four months of therapy;

FIG. 6 is a front sectional view taken along the line 66 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 8 is a further side sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 3.

Referring to the drawings, an orthopedic appliance is shown as including a main body, generally designated 1 1, including two main body sections 10, 12, each having a central adjustment screw bore 14a, 14b. The bore 14a in main body section 10 is threaded in one direction and the bore 14b in main body section 12 is threaded in the opposite direction for reasons that will become apparent by the continuation of this description.

Adjustment screw 16 includes first and second adjustment threads 16a, 16b, with the thread direction for thread section 16a being opposite to that for thread section 1612 to facilitate the respective threadable insertion to bores 14a, 14b. The main body of adjustment screw 16 includes, as an example, a plurality of adjustment holes for insertion of a mating tool to facilitate turning of the adjustment screw and attendant separation or increased proximity of main body sections 10, 12 because of the opposite threading structure previously described.

Referring particularly to FIG. 1, a pair of rods generally designated 18, 20 are arranged for straddling adjustment screw 16. For this purpose, rod bores 22, 24 are provided in each main body section 10, 12 to accommodate rods 18, 20. Solder or adhesive (or threads) is placed at or near points A, B, C, and D, in order to fix the rods laterally with respect to the main body sections, so that as main body sections 10, 12 separate by operation of adjustment screw 16, rods 18, 20 will move outwardly to perform the function of the appliance.

Rods 18, 20 are each separated into two sections 18a, 18b and 20a, 20b. The separation of rod sections can be made within the same main body section as shown at points E and F, or the separation for one rod can be made within one main body section 10 and the separation for the other rod in the other main body section 12. Separations E and F in the rod structure enable the functioning of rods 18, 20 not only as support rods and rods for transmission of separation force, but also as guide rods, such that turning of adjustment screw 16 will not cause relative rotation between main body sections 10, 12. Rod portions 18c and 200 provide the aforementioned guide rod capability.

The size of rods 18, 20 is deemed to be an essential feature of this invention in terms of the multiple functioning of such rods as previously described. It is recommended that rod sizes exceeding Browne and Sharp guages 14 and 15 be used. This provides diameters in excess of 1.5 to 1.8 millimeters and enables the prompt opening of the midpalatal suture by as much as 6 to 10 millimeters within two to three weeks. As distinguished from the present invention, typical orthodontic devices are moving individual teeth rather than segments of bone and'can only move individual teeth about 1 millimeter in a 2 week period. Also, orthodontic appliances are capable of achieving force in the order of 2. to 4 ounces, whereas orthopedic appliances constructed according to the present invention exert forces measured in terms of pounds.

In order to provide a more complete description of the present invention, a series of steps for use of the appliance will now be described along with an assembly procedure for constructing the appliance.

In order to use the orthopedic appliance of the present invention, the main body sections 10, 12, are placed in a spatial relationship similar to that shown in FIG. 1 and the adjustment screw 16 completely threadably inserted to the respective main body sections. Rod sections 20a, 20b are then inserted as shown in FIG. 1 and threaded or soldered at points B and D. Likewise, rod sections 18a, 18b, are inserted in rod bore 22 and threaded or soldered at or near points A and C. Rods 18, 20 are then manipulated and bent to the form of rod shown in FIGS. 2 through 4 and 6 and bands 26 attached by soldering or the like so that the appliance is positioned with a separation from palate 30 and with the appliance structurally supported by teeth 28 above where there would be tongue interference.

After assembly, the appliance is mounted and fixed as shown in FIG. 2, which depicts the relationship of parts upon insertion. It should be particularly noted in FIG. 2 that the central teeth 28a are in close proximity to each other and the midpalatal line 28b represents an abuttment of the midpalatal bone structure.

After insertion, the adjustment screw 16 is rotated twice daily, as an example. separating the midpalatal bones approximately one'half millimeter every 24 hours for 2 weeks. After two weeks, the results and position of the appliance are as shown in FIG. 3. In that figure, it is seen that the central teeth 280 are significantly separated and the midpalatal bones are angularized as depicted by the midpalatal lines 28'b. Further more, the resultant separation of main body sections 10, 12 are as shown in FIG. 3, which clearly exhibits the function of rods 18, 20 as guide pins at their midportions 18c. 20c.

Approximately 3 months after the appliance is inserted, it may be seen from FIG. 4 that the central teeth 280 have come together spontaneously and at this point in the therapy, an occlusal radiograph would indicate midpalatal opacity as the bone structure spontaneously fills in as indicated by midpalatal lines 28b. Conversely, a radiograph would show midpalatal translucency for FIG. 3.

After approximately four months of therapy, the appliance according to the present invention may be removed with the results shown in FIG. 5. At this point. central teeth 28a have moved back to abuttment spontaneously and the midpalatal bone structure is closed as indicated by midpalatal line 28"b.

Accordingly, by use of an appliance according to the present invention, an orthopedic movement is accomplished to produce a concommitant uncrowding of teeth in a short period of time. The accomplishments as detailed herein are enabled by the use of a strong and yet pliable rod structure which includes a separation to allow such rods to function in a dual capacity to transmit the force of the appliance and yet to guide the main body sections of the appliance.

What is claimed is:

1. An orthopedic appliance for spreading the midpalatal suture comprising a main body including first and second main body sections, each defining centrally located adjustment screw bores with the said bore of one section being threaded oppositely to the said bore of the other section, an adjustment screw threadably inserted to said bores and including a handle at approximately its midpoint defining means for manipulation thereof and a pair of rods, said rods extending beyond said main body sections on both sides thereof and said sections each further defining rod bores straddling said centrally located adjustment screw bore such that said rods are slidably inserted to said rod bores and said rods each being in two sections for providing a guiding function for said sections, wherein said spreading is accomplished by a force transmitted through said rods and said appliance is intended for positioning in a patients mouth above where there would be tongue interference and yet separated from the patients palate. with said rods attachable to the patients teeth.

2. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said appliance further includes an adhesive means for attaching each of said rods to said sections.

3. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said rods are elongated to extend from said appliance outward in both directions a distance equal to the maximum transverse measurement of a human upper jaw.

4. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said rods are ofa diameter between 1.5 and 1.8 millimeters.

8. The invention according to claim 1 wherein one of said rods is split within the rod bore of said first section and the other rod is split within the rod bore of said second section.

9. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said rods are of a diameter greater than l.5 millimeters.

10. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said rod bores are threaded and said rods are threaded for threadable attachment therebetween. 

1. An orthopedic appliance for spreading the midpalatal suture comprising a main body including first and second main body sections, each defining centrally located adjustment screw bores with the said bore of one section being threaded oppositely to the said bore of the other section, an adjustment screw threadably inserted to said bores and including a handle at approximately its midpoint defining means for manipulation thereof and a pair of rods, said rods extending beyond said main body sections on both sides thereof and said sections each further defining rod bores straddling said centrally located adjustment screw bore such that said rods are slidably inserted to said rod bores and said rods each being in two sections for providing a guiding function for said sections, wherein said spreading is accomplished by a force transmitted through said rods and said appliance is intended for positioning in a patient''s mouth above where there would be tongue interference and yet separated from the patient''s palate, with said rods attachable to the patient''s teeth.
 2. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said appliance further includes an adhesive means for attaching each of said rods to said sections.
 3. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said rods are elongated to extend from said appliance outward in both directions a distance equal to the maximum transverse measurement of a human upper jaw.
 4. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said rods are of a diameter between 1.5 and 1.8 millimeters.
 5. The invention according to claim 3 wherein the portions of said rods extending beyond said main body are bent so that said pair of rods are further separated from each other as said rods increase in distance from said main body.
 6. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said rods are attachable to human teeth and therefore include bands affixed to the ends thereof.
 7. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said rods are both split within said rod bores of said first section.
 8. The invention according to claim 1 wherein one of said rods is split within the rod bore of said first section and the other rod is split within the rod bore of said second section.
 9. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said rods are of a diameter greater than 1.5 millimeters.
 10. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said rod bores are threaded and said rods are threaded for threadable attachment therebetween. 